Top 10 Chocolate Products Highest in Theobromine
Theobromine is an alkaloid chemical primarily found in the cocoa plant, though also to a lesser extent in tea leaves and the cola nut. Cocoa and chocolate are the main foods high in theobromine.
Theobromine acts somewhat like caffeine in the body, and can be considered a stimulant.
Theobromine dilates blood vessels and causes increased urination, and as such, can be used to lower blood pressure. (2) Cocoa and chocolate are also very high in potassium, adding to their potential to help with hypertension (high blood pressure).
Healthy chocolate products high in theobromine include cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and dark chocolate. Less desirable sources include semisweet chocolate, chocolate candy, chocolate wafers, and hot chocolate mixes.
There is no set daily value or adequate intake for theobromine, however, 250mg is a good daily target for adults. An excess of 1000mg may lead to nervousness and headaches. (2,3) Also, avoid giving chocolate to dogs and cats. (4) See the warning section for more info.
Below are the top 10 chocolate products highest in theobromine.
-
1. Baking Chocolate (Unsweetened)
Theobromine
per 1oz SquareTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories376mg 1297mg 404mg -
2. Dark Chocolate (70-85% Cocoa)
Theobromine
per 1oz SquareTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories228mg 802mg 268mg -
3. Dark Chocolate (60-69% Cocoa)
Theobromine
per 1oz SquareTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories179mg 632mg 218mg -
4. Sweet Chocolate Candies
Theobromine
per 1.5oz BarTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories175mg 426mg 168mg -
5. Hot Cocoa
Theobromine
per CupTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories170mg 68mg 177mg -
6. Dark Chocolate Coated Coffee Beans
Theobromine
per oz(28 Beans)Theobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories147mg 368mg 136mg -
7. Cocoa Powder
Theobromine
per TblspTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories142mg 2634mg 2395mg -
8. Dark Chocolate (45-59% Cocoa)
Theobromine
per 1oz SquareTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories140mg 493mg 181mg -
9. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Theobromine
per 1oz HandfulTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories138mg 486mg 203mg -
10. Chocolate Wafers
Theobromine
per WaferTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories21mg 354mg 164mg
Theobromine Poison Warning
About the Data
Data for the curated food lists comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository.
You can check our data against the USDA by clicking the (Source) link at the bottom of each food listing.
Note: When checking data please be sure the serving sizes are the same. In the rare case you find any difference, please contact us and we will fix it right away.
From the Nutrient Ranking Tool
Use the ranking tool links below to select foods and create your own food list to share or print.
- Foods High in Theobromine
- Foods Low in Theobromine
- Vegetarian Foods High in Theobromine
- Breakfast Cereals High in Theobromine
View more nutrients with the nutrient ranking tool, or see ratios with the nutrient ratio tool.
Related
Data Sources and References
Try the recipe nutrition calculator, or daily meal planner.
Create a free account to log and track foods.